Linda L. Bean, a granddaughter of the renowned outdoor retailer L.L. Bean and an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and conservative activist in her own right, has passed away at the age of 82. Her death occurred on Saturday, as confirmed by her business manager, Veronika Carlson, in a written statement on Sunday, though the cause of death was not disclosed.
"Linda was known for her amazing work ethic, entrepreneurial spirit as well as her pride and dedication to her home state of Maine and L.L.Bean, the company her grandfather founded," the statement read. "Our hearts go out to her family and friends."
Bean's grandfather, Leon Leonwood Bean, established the iconic outdoor brand in 1912, which grew to prominence through its popular catalogue, offering durable products such as the company's signature rubber-bottomed boots with a lifetime guarantee.
Linda Bean served on the L.L.Bean board for nearly half a century. Beyond her involvement with the family business, she ventured into entrepreneurial endeavors, acquiring lobster dealerships and founding the Perfect Maine Lobster brand in 2007. She also owned general stores, inns, and vacation rentals along Maine's central coast, where she resided in Port Clyde.
Notably, Bean played a pivotal role in having Maine's lobster industry certified as sustainable in 2013 by the London-based nonprofit Marine Stewardship Council – a certification that was later revoked in 2022 due to concerns over harm to whales.
Her philanthropic efforts were wide-ranging, including supporting LifeFlight of Maine medical helicopters, the Maine Botanical Gardens at Boothbay, and promoting the life and work of the early 20th century illustrator and artist N.C. Wyeth, the father of the renowned painter Andrew Wyeth. She also dedicated efforts to preserving the Wyeth family's properties.
"Linda Bean loved the State of Maine. Its coastal communities, islands, and art, particularly by the Wyeths, had a special place in her heart," said Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins in a written statement. "Linda also was an astute businesswoman who promoted Maine lobster through her restaurants. Many a time while waiting for my plane in Portland, I had a cup of her famous lobster stew at her airport restaurant."
Beyond her business and philanthropic endeavors, Bean was a significant donor to Republican causes and twice campaigned unsuccessfully for Congress, in 1988 and 1992. Her political platform opposed abortion rights, gay rights legislation, and gun control, advocating for tax cuts to spur economic growth.
She also supported efforts to repeal a Maine law prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and urged the Department of Defense to overturn Obama-era policies allowing transgender individuals to serve in the military.
In 2017, the Federal Election Commission stated that Bean made excessive contributions to a political action committee she bankrolled to support Donald Trump's presidential campaign. This prompted some liberal groups to call for a boycott of L.L. Bean, which Bean described as "harassment by a small kernel of hardcore bullies out on the left coast, West Coast, in California, trying to control what we do, what we buy, what we sell in Maine." Trump came to her defense, urging his supporters to buy the company's products.
"While her politics did not align with mine, Linda and I found common ground in our mutual love of our home state, of the coast of Maine and our working waterfronts, of Maine inspired art and of the perfect Maine lobster roll," said Gov. Janet Mills, a Democrat, in a written statement. "I enjoyed her company and admired her business acumen. On behalf of the people of Maine, I extend deep condolences to Linda's family and loved ones and to the entire L.L.Bean community."
